13.107
āyuṣyākhyānam
A narrative of life.
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca॥
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
śatāyuruktaḥ puruṣaḥ śatavīryaśca vaidike। kasmānmriyante puruṣā bālā api pitāmaha ॥13-107-1॥
O grandsire, the Veda declares that a man possesses one hundred years of lifespan and one hundredfold strength. Then why do men—even children—die? (13-107-1)
āyuṣmān kena bhavati svalpāyur vā api mānavaḥ। kena vā labhate kīrtiṃ kena vā labhate śriyam ॥13-107-2॥
By what does a person become long-lived or short-lived? By what does a person gain fame, and by what does one obtain wealth? (13-107-2)
tapasā brahmacaryeṇa japair homais tathauṣadhaiḥ। janmanā yadi vācārāt tan me brūhi pitāmaha ॥13-107-3॥
O Grandfather, tell me whether that (is obtained) by austerity, by celibacy, by recitations, by oblations, likewise by herbs, by birth, or by speech. (13-107-3)
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhishma said.
atra te vartayiṣyāmi yan māṁ tvam anupṛcchasi। alpāyur yena bhavati dīrghāyur vāpi mānavaḥ॥13-107-4॥
Here I will explain to you that which you ask of me: by what a human being becomes short-lived or long-lived. (13-107-4)
yena vā labhate kīrtiṃ yena vā labhate śriyam। yathā ca vartanpuruṣaḥ śreyasā samprayujyate ॥13-107-5॥
By whatever means a man obtains fame or prosperity, and in whatever way he acts, he attains excellence. (13-107-5)
ācārāllabhate hyāyurācārāllabhate śriyam। ācārātkīrtimāpnoti puruṣaḥ pretya ceha ca ॥13-107-6॥
It is from conduct that one truly obtains life, from conduct that one gains prosperity; from conduct a person attains fame, both after death and in this world. (13-107-6)
durācāro hi puruṣo nehāyurvindate mahat। trasanti yasmādbhūtāni tathā paribhavanti ca ॥13-107-7॥
A man of bad conduct indeed does not attain great longevity here. The creatures whom he frightens, likewise despise him. (13-107-7)
tasmātkuryādihācāraṃ ya icchedbhūtimātmanaḥ। api pāpaśarīrasya ācāro hantyalakṣaṇam ॥13-107-8॥
Therefore, whoever desires their own prosperity should practice proper conduct here. Even for one with a sinful body, good conduct destroys misfortune. (13-107-8)
ācāralakṣaṇo dharmaḥ santaś cācāralakṣaṇāḥ| sādhūnāṃ ca yathā vṛttam etad ācāralakṣaṇam ॥13-107-9॥
Dharma is marked by proper conduct; good men are recognized by such characteristics; and whatever the conduct of the virtuous, that is the true mark of proper behavior. (13-107-9)
apy adṛṣṭaṁ śrutaṁ vā api puruṣaṁ dharmacāriṇam। bhūti-karmāṇi kurvāṇaṁ taṁ janāḥ kurvate priyam॥13-107-10॥
Even a man who is unseen or only heard of, if he follows dharma and performs deeds of prosperity, people make him dear. (13-107-10)
ye nāstikā niṣkriyāś ca guruśāstrātilaṅghinaḥ. adharmajñā durācārās te bhavanti gatāyuṣaḥ ॥13-107-11॥
Those who are atheists, inactive, transgressors of the teacher's scriptures, ignorant of dharma, and of bad conduct—they become ones whose life-force has departed. (13-107-11)
viśīlā bhinnamaryādā nityaṃ saṅkīrṇamaithunāḥ। alpāyuṣo bhavantīha narā nirayagāminaḥ॥13-107-12॥
Men who are licentious, who transgress boundaries, are ever involved in promiscuous unions, and here, they become short-lived and destined for hell. (13-107-12)
sarvalakṣaṇahīno'pi samudācāravān naraḥ। śraddadhāno'nasūyaś ca śataṃ varṣāṇi jīvati॥13-107-13॥
Even a man without all external marks, if he has good conduct, faith, and is free from envy, lives for a hundred years. (13-107-13)
akrodhanaḥ satyavādī bhūtānām avihiṃsakaḥ। anasūyur ajihmaś ca śataṃ varṣāṇi jīvati॥13-107-14॥
He who is free from anger, speaks the truth, does not harm beings, is not envious, and is straightforward lives for a hundred years. (13-107-14)
loṣṭamardī tṛṇacchedī nakhakhādī ca yo naraḥ। nityocchiṣṭaḥ saṅkusuko nehāyurvindate mahat॥13-107-15॥
A man who crushes clods, cuts grass, eats nails, is always defiled by food remnants, and is covertly covetous does not attain long life here. (13-107-15)
brāhme muhūrte budhyeta dharmārthau cānucintayet। utthāyācamya tiṣṭhet pūrvāṃ sandhyāṃ kṛtāñjaliḥ॥13-107-16॥
One should awaken in the brāhma muhūrta, contemplate both dharma and artha, and after rising and performing ceremonial sipping, stand with hands joined in reverence for the morning sandhyā. (13-107-16)
evamevāparāṃ sandhyāṃ samupāsīta vāgyataḥ। nekṣetādityamudyantaṃ nāstaṃ yāntaṃ kadācana॥13-107-17॥
In the same way, the evening twilight should be faithfully observed in silence. One should never look at the Sun as it rises or sets. (13-107-17)
ṛṣayo dīrghasandhyatvāddīrghamāyuravāpnuvan। tasmāttiṣṭhetsadā pūrvāṃ paścimāṃ caiva vāgyataḥ ॥13-107-18॥
The sages attained long life by observing lengthy twilight rituals. Therefore, one should always stand during both the morning and evening twilight periods, refraining from speech. (13-107-18)
ye ca pūrvām upāsante dvijāḥ sandhyāṃ na paścimām। sarvāṃs tān dhārmiko rājā śūdrakarmāṇi kārayet॥13-107-19॥
The righteous king should make all those twice-born who worship only the morning twilight and not the evening perform Śūdra duties. (13-107-19)
paradārā na gantavyāḥ sarvavarṇeṣu karhicit। na hīdṛśamanāyuṣyaṃ loke kiñcana vidyate॥ yādṛśaṃ puruṣasyeha paradāropasevanam॥13-107-20॥
No one of any class should ever approach another's wife. In this world, nothing else so shortens a man's life as association with another's wife does. (13-107-20)
prasādhanaṃ ca keśānāmañjanaṃ dantadhāvanam। pūrvāhṇa eva kurvīta devatānāṃ ca pūjanam ॥13-107-21॥
One should perform the adornment of hair, applying collyrium, and cleaning of teeth, and also the worship of the deities, all in the forenoon. (13-107-21)
puriṣamūtre nodīkṣennādhitiṣṭhetkadācana। udakyayā ca sambhāṣāṃ na kurvīta kadācana॥13-107-22॥
One should never initiate (a ritual) or reside in a place soiled by excrement or urine; nor should one ever engage in conversation with a woman of the lowest caste. (13-107-22)
notsṛjet purīṣaṃ ca kṣetre grāmasya cāntike। ubhe mūtrapurīṣe tu nāpsu kuryātkadācana ॥13-107-23॥
One should not discharge excrement in a field or near a village, and one should never deposit either urine or excrement in water. (13-107-23)
prāṅmukho nityamaśnīyād vāgyato'nnam akutsayan। praskandayec ca manasā bhuktvā cāgnim upaspṛśet ॥13-107-24॥
One should always eat food facing east, in silence, and without despising it; having let it settle with the mind and after eating, one should touch fire. (13-107-24)
āyuṣyaṃ prāṅmukho bhuṅkte yaśasyaṃ dakṣiṇāmukhaḥ। dhanyaṃ paścānmukho bhuṅkte ṛtaṃ bhuṅkte udaṅmukhaḥ ॥13-107-25॥
One who eats facing east partakes of longevity; facing south, of fame; facing west, of wealth; facing north, of truth. (13-107-25)
nādhitiṣṭhettuṣāñjātu keśabhasmakapālikāḥ। anyasya cāpyupasthānaṃ dūrataḥ parivarjayet॥13-107-26॥
One should never stand upon husks, or articles made of hair, ashes, or potsherds; and should also avoid residing near the seat of another from a distance. (13-107-26)
śāntihomāṁś ca kurvīta sāvitriāṇi ca kārayet। niṣaṇṇaś cāpi khādet na tu gacchan kathaṁcana ॥13-107-27॥
He should perform śānti-homas and have the Sāvitrī mantras recited; he should eat only when seated, and never while walking. (13-107-27)
mūtraṃ na tiṣṭhatā kāryaṃ na bhasmani na govraje. ārdrapādastu bhuñjīta nārdrāpādastu saṃviśet. ārdrapādastu bhuñjāno varṣāṇāṃ jīvate śatam ॥13-107-29॥
One should not pass urine while standing, nor on ashes nor in a cowshed. However, one should eat with wet feet; one should not lie down with wet feet. One who eats with wet feet lives for a hundred years. (13-107-29)
trīṇi tejāṃsi nocchiṣṭa ālabheta kadācana। agniṃ gāṃ brāhmaṇaṃ caiva tathāsyāyurna riṣyate॥13-107-30॥
One should never touch the three powers—fire, a cow, or a Brāhmaṇa—while impure; thus, his lifespan will not be diminished. (13-107-30)
trīṇi tejāṃsi nocchiṣṭa udīkṣeta kadācana। sūryācandramasau caiva nakṣatrāṇi ca sarvaśaḥ॥13-107-31॥
One who is impure (after eating) should never at any time look at the three luminous beings—the Sun, the Moon, and all the stars—in any way. (13-107-31)
ūrdhvaṃ prāṇā hyutkrāmanti yūnaḥ sthavira āyati. pratyutthānābhivādābhyāṃ punastān pratipadyate ॥13-107-32॥
Indeed, the vital breaths leave upward from a youth when an elder approaches; by rising and saluting, the youth regains them. (13-107-32)
abhivādayet vṛddhāṁś ca āsanaṁ caiva dāpayet. kṛtāñjalir upāsīta gacchantaṁ pṛṣṭhato'nviyāt ॥13-107-33॥
He should salute the elders, provide a seat for them, serve them with joined palms, and follow behind when they are walking. (13-107-33)
na cāsītāsane bhinne bhinnaṁ kāṁsyaṁ ca varjayet. naikavastreṇa bhoktavyaṁ na nagnaḥ snātumarhati ॥ svaptavyaṁ naiva nagnena na cocchiṣṭo'pi saṁviśet ॥13-107-34॥
One should not sit on a broken seat, and should avoid broken bronze vessels. One should not eat while wearing only one garment, nor should a naked person bathe. One must not sleep naked, and after eating, one should not lie down without first purifying oneself. (13-107-34)
ucchiṣṭo na spṛśecchīrṣaṃ sarve prāṇāstadāśrayāḥ। keśagrahān prahārāṃś ca śirasy etān vivarjayet ॥13-107-35॥
One who is impure from eating should not touch the head, for all vital energies depend on it. One should avoid grasping the hair and striking blows on the head. (13-107-35)
na pāṇibhyām ubhābhyām ca kaṇḍūyec jātu vai śiraḥ। na ca abhīkṣṇam śiraḥ snāyāt tathā asya āyuḥ na riṣyate॥13-107-36॥
One should never scratch the head with both hands, nor should he wash the head too frequently; thus, his lifespan is not diminished. (13-107-36)
śiraḥ-snātaś ca tailena na aṅgaṃ kiñcid upaspṛśet. tila-piṣṭaṃ na ca aśnīyāt tathā āyuḥ vindate mahat ॥13-107-37॥
One who has bathed the head and anointed with oil should not let the body come into contact (with water) even a little, nor should eat sesame paste; by doing so, one attains a long life. (13-107-37)
nādhyāpayet tathocchiṣṭo nādhīyīta kadācana। vāte ca pūtigandhe ca manasāpi na cintayet ॥13-107-38॥
One should not teach while impure, nor should one study at any time in such a state. One should not even contemplate in a windy place or where there is a foul smell. (13-107-38)
atra gāthā yamodgītāḥ kīrtayanti purāvidaḥ। āyur asya nikṛntāmi prajām asyādade tathā ॥13-107-39॥
Here, the knowers of ancient lore recite verses spoken by Yama: "I cut off his life, and thus I take away his progeny." (13-107-39)
ya ucchiṣṭaḥ pravadati svādhyāyaṃ cādhigacchati। yaścānadhyāyakāle'pi mohādabhyasyati dvijaḥ ॥ tasmādyukto'pyanadhyāye nādhīyīta kadācana ॥13-107-40॥
He who recites and studies self-study while impure, and the twice-born who, out of delusion, practices even at the time when study is forbidden—therefore, even if qualified, one should never study during the period when study is not permitted. (13-107-40)
pratyādityaṃ pratyanilaṃ prati gāṃ ca prati dvijān। ye mehanti ca panthānaṃ te bhavanti gatāyuṣaḥ ॥13-107-41॥
Those who pollute the Sun, the Wind, the Earth, the twice-born, and the path — they become devoid of life. (13-107-41)
ubhe mūtrapurīṣe tu divā kuryād udaṅmukhaḥ। dakṣiṇābhimukho rātrau tathāsyāyur na riṣyate ॥13-107-42॥
One should evacuate both urine and feces facing north during the day, and facing south at night; thus, his lifespan is not harmed. (13-107-42)
trīn kṛśānn āvajānīyād dīrgham āyur jijīviṣuḥ। brāhmaṇaṃ kṣatriyaṃ sarpaṃ sarve hy āśīviṣās trayaḥ॥13-107-43॥
One who wishes for a long life should not despise three emaciated beings: a Brahmin, a Kshatriya, and a serpent; all three are truly as dangerous as venomous creatures. (13-107-43)
dahaty āśī-viṣaḥ kruddho yāvat paśyati cakṣuṣā। kṣatriyo'pi dahet kruddho yāvat spṛśati tejasā॥13-107-44॥
An angered venomous serpent burns (its victim) as long as it sees (it) with its eye; likewise, an angered Kṣatriya may burn (his enemy) as long as he touches (him) with his energy. (13-107-44)
brāhmaṇas tu kulaṃ hanyād dhyānenāvekṣitena ca। tasmād etat trayaṃ yatnād upaseveta paṇḍitaḥ॥13-107-45॥
But the Brāhmaṇa can destroy the family through meditation and careful observation. Therefore, a wise person should diligently practice these three. (13-107-45)
guruṇā vairanirbandho na kartavyaḥ kadācana। anumānyaḥ prasādyaś ca guruḥ kruddho yudhiṣṭhira ॥13-107-46॥
Yudhiṣṭhira, persistent hostility towards the teacher should never be done. If the teacher is angry, he must be appeased and propitiated. (13-107-46)
samyaṅmithyāpravṛtte'pi vartitavyaṃ gurāviha। gurunindā dahatyāyurmanuṣyāṇāṃ na saṃśayaḥ॥13-107-47॥
One must conduct oneself towards the teacher, whether his actions are right or wrong; criticism of the teacher destroys the lifespan of humans—there is no doubt about it. (13-107-47)
dūrād-āvasthān-mūtraṃ dūrāt-pādāva-secanam | ucchiṣṭotsarjanam caiva dūre kāryaṃ hitaiṣiṇā ॥13-107-48॥
One who desires welfare should perform urination away from the dwelling, washing of feet at a distance, and the disposal of leftovers from food also at a distance. (13-107-48)
nātikalpaṃ nātisāyaṃ na ca madhyaṃdine sthite। nājñātaiḥ saha gacchet naiko na vṛṣalaiḥ saha॥13-107-49॥
One should not go out either too early, too late, or when it is midday; nor should one go with unknown people, alone, or with wicked individuals. (13-107-49)
panthā deyo brāhmaṇāya gobhyo rājabhya eva ca। vṛddhāya bhārataptāya garbhiṇyai durbalāya ca ॥13-107-50॥
The path should be yielded to Brāhmaṇas, cows, kings, the elderly, the weary, pregnant women, and the weak. (13-107-50)
pradakṣiṇaṃ ca kurvīta parijñātān vanaspatīn। catuṣpathān prakurvīta sarvān eva pradakṣiṇān ॥13-107-51॥
One should circumambulate well-known trees, and at crossroads, one should certainly perform circumambulations of all. (13-107-51)
madhyandine niśākāle madhyarātre ca sarvadā। catuṣpathānna seveta ubhe sandhye tathaiva ca ॥13-107-52॥
One should never approach crossroads at midday, at night, at midnight, at both twilights, nor at any time. (13-107-52)
upānahau ca vastraṃ ca dhṛtam anyair na dhārayet. brahmacārī ca nityaṃ syāt pādaṃ pādena nākramet ॥13-107-53॥
He should not wear sandals or a garment that have been worn by others; and a brahmacārī should always refrain from stepping with his foot on another's foot. (13-107-53)
amāvāsyāṃ paurṇamāsyāṃ caturdaśyāṃ ca sarvaśaḥ। aṣṭamyāṃ sarvapakṣāṇāṃ brahmacārī sadā bhavet॥13-107-54॥
A brahmacārī should always observe celibacy on amāvāsyā (new moon), paurṇamāsī (full moon), the fourteenth day, and, in every respect, on the eighth day during all lunar fortnights. (13-107-54)
vṛthā mānsaṃ na khādet pṛṣṭhamānsaṃ tathaiva ca. ākrośaṃ parivādaṃ ca paiśunyaṃ ca vivarjayet ॥13-107-55॥
One should not eat meat needlessly, nor the meat of the back; one should likewise avoid abuse, slander, and malicious gossip. (13-107-55)
nāruntudaḥ syānna nṛśaṃsavādī; na hīnataḥ paramabhyādadīta. yayāsya vācā para udvijeta; na tāṃ vaded ruśatīṃ pāpalokyām ॥13-107-56॥
One should not speak harshly, nor be cruel in speech; one should not take the best from those who are inferior. One should never say anything by which another may be pained — such blameworthy speech leads to sin. (13-107-56)
vāksāyakā vadanān niṣpatanti; yair āhataḥ śocati rātryahāni. parasya na amarmasu te patanti; tān paṇḍitaḥ na avasṛjet pareṣu ॥13-107-57॥
Sharp words come out from the mouth; by these, when someone is struck, they grieve for days and nights. Those words do not strike the vital spots of another; therefore, a wise person should not direct such words at others. (13-107-57)
rohate sāyakair viddhaṃ vanaṃ paraśunā hatam। vācā duruktaṃ bībhatsaṃ na saṃrohati vāk-kṣatam॥13-107-58॥
A forest pierced by arrows or cut down with an axe can heal again, but a wound caused by horrible, harsh speech does not heal. (13-107-58)
hīnāṅgān-atirikta-aṅgān-vidyā-hīnān-vaya-adhikān। rūpa-draviṇa-hīnān ca sattva-hīnān ca na akṣipet ॥13-107-59॥
One should not reproach people who have deficient or excess limbs, who lack knowledge, who are advanced in age, who lack beauty and wealth, or who lack strength. (13-107-59)
nāstikyaṃ vedanindāṃ ca devatānāṃ ca kutsanam। dveṣastambhābhimānāṃśca taikṣṇyaṃ ca parivarjayet ॥13-107-60॥
One should avoid atheism, reviling the Vedas, contempt for the gods, hatred, arrogance, pride, and harshness. (13-107-60)
parasya daṇḍaṃ nodyacchetkroddho nainaṃ nipātayet। anyatra putrācchiṣyādvā śikṣārthaṃ tāḍanaṃ smṛtam ॥13-107-61॥
One should not, in anger, raise the staff of punishment against another person or strike him down; except in the case of a son or a disciple, beating is permitted for the sake of instruction. (13-107-61)
na brāhmaṇān parivadet nakṣatrāṇi na nirdiśet । tithiṃ pakṣasya na brūyāt tathāsya āyuḥ na riṣyate ॥13-107-62॥
One should not speak ill of Brāhmaṇas, nor point out constellations, nor tell the lunar day of the fortnight; thus, his life is not shortened. (13-107-62)
kṛtvā mūtrapurīṣe tu rathyāmākramya vā punaḥ। pādaprakṣālanaṃ kuryātsvādhyāye bhojane tathā॥13-107-63॥
After urinating or defecating, but also after stepping onto the street again, one should wash the feet before self-study and before eating. (13-107-63)
trīṇi devāḥ pavitrāṇi brāhmaṇānāmakalpayān। adṛṣṭamadbhirnirṇiktaṃ yac ca vācā praśasyate ॥13-107-64॥
The three gods established for the Brāhmaṇas three purifications: the unseen (internal), that which is purified with water, and that which is praised by speech. (13-107-64)
saṁyāvaṁ kṛsaraṁ māṁsaṁ śaṣkulī pāyasaṁ tathā। ātmārthaṁ na prakartavyaṁ devārthaṁ tu prakalpayet ॥13-107-65॥
One should not prepare coarse flour preparation, rice and pulse dish, meat, fried cake, or rice pudding for oneself; rather, one should arrange them for the deity. (13-107-65)
nityam agniṃ paricared bhikṣāṃ dadyāc ca nityadā। vāg-yataḥ danta-kāṣṭhaṃ ca nityam eva samācaret॥ na ca abhyudita-śāyī syāt prāyaścittī tathā bhavet॥13-107-66॥
One should always maintain the sacred fire, give alms daily, and, being restrained in speech, always use a tooth-stick; one should never lie down after sunrise—for such a person would become one requiring expiation. (13-107-66)
mātāpitaram utthāya pūrvam eva abhivādayet। ācāryam atha vā api enam tathā āyuḥ vindate mahat ॥13-107-67॥
One should first rise and respectfully greet one's mother and father. Then, or even the teacher, by doing so, one attains great longevity. (13-107-67)
varjayeddantakāṣṭhāni varjanīyāni nityaśaḥ। bhakṣayecchāstradṛṣṭāni parvasvapi ca varjayet॥13-107-68॥
One should always avoid toothsticks that are to be avoided; one should use those prescribed by śāstra, and even on festival days, should avoid the prohibited ones. (13-107-68)
udaṅmukhaś ca satataṃ śaucaṃ kuryāt samāhitaḥ। akṛtvā devatāpūjāṃ nānyaṃ gacchet kadācana। anyatra tu guruṃ vṛddhaṃ dhārmikaṃ vā vicakṣaṇam॥13-107-70॥
One should always perform purification facing north, with concentration; without first performing worship of the deity, one should never go to anyone else, except to a preceptor, elder, righteous person or wise man. (13-107-70)
avalokyo na cādarśo malino buddhimattaraiḥ। na cājñātāṃ striyaṃ gacchedgarbhiṇīṃ vā kadācana ॥13-107-71॥
A dirty mirror should not be looked at by the wise; nor should one ever approach an unfamiliar or pregnant woman. (13-107-71)
udakṣirā na svapeta tathā pratyakṣirā na ca । prākṣirāstu svapedvidvānatha vā dakṣiṇāśirāḥ ॥13-107-72॥
One should not sleep with the head towards the north, nor towards the west; but the wise should sleep with the head towards the east or towards the south. (13-107-72)
na bhagne nāvadīrṇe vā śayane prasvapeta ca। nāntardhāne na saṁyukte na ca tiryakkadācana॥13-107-73॥
One should not sleep on a broken or split bed, nor in a hidden place, nor on a bed that is joined together, nor ever lying crosswise. (13-107-73)
na nagnaḥ karhicit snāyān na niśāyāṃ kadācana। snātvā ca na avamṛjyeta gātrāṇi suvicakṣaṇaḥ ॥13-107-74॥
A wise person should never bathe while naked or at night; and after bathing, he should not wipe his limbs. (13-107-74)
na cānulimped asnātvā snātvā vāso na nirdhunet. ārdra eva tu vāsāṃsi nityaṃ seveta mānavaḥ ॥ srajaś ca nāvakarṣet na bahir dhārayet ca ॥13-107-75॥
One should not anoint oneself without bathing; and after bathing, one should not shake out the garment. A man should always wear clothes only when they are damp. He should not drag down garlands, nor should he wear them outside. (13-107-75)
raktamālyaṁ na dhāryaṁ syācchuklaṁ dhāryaṁ tu paṇḍitaiḥ। varjayitvā tu kamalaṁ tathā kuvalayaṁ vibho ॥13-107-76॥
A red garland should not be worn; only a white garland should be worn by the learned, except for the lotus and the blue water-lily, O eminent one. (13-107-76)
raktaṃ śirasi dhāryaṃ tu tathā vāneyamityapi| kāñcanī caiva yā mālā na sā duṣyati karhicit || snātasya varṇakaṃ nityamārdraṃ dadyādviśāṃ pate ||13-107-77||
A red substance is to be worn on the head, as well as silk (cloth), thus also; and likewise, a golden garland—such a one never becomes spoiled. The color for the one who has bathed should always be freshly moist, O Lord of the people. (13-107-77)
viparyayaṃ na kurvīta vāsaso buddhimān naraḥ। tathā na anya-dhṛtaṃ dhāryaṃ na ca āpadaśam eva ca ॥13-107-78॥
An intelligent person should not exchange clothes; likewise, he should not wear garments worn by others, nor garments used only in distress. (13-107-78)
anyadeva bhaved vāsaḥ śayanīye narottama। anyad rathyāsu devānām arcāyām anyadeva hi ॥13-107-79॥
O best of men, one should use different clothing for sleeping, other clothing in the streets, and yet different clothing while worshipping the gods. (13-107-79)
priyaṅgucandanābhyāṁ ca bilvena tagareṇa ca. pṛthagevānulimpeta kesareṇa ca buddhimān ॥13-107-80॥
A wise person should separately anoint (the body) with priyaṅgu and sandalwood, with bilva, with tagara, and with kesara (saffron). (13-107-80)
upavāsaṃ ca kurvīta snātaḥ śuciralaṅkṛtaḥ। parvakāleṣu sarveṣu brahmacārī sadā bhavet ॥13-107-81॥
The celibate student should always observe fasting, after bathing, maintaining purity and proper attire, on all festival occasions. (13-107-81)
nālīḍhayā parihataṃ bhakṣayīta kadācana। tathā noddhṛtasārāṇi prekṣatāṃ nāpradāya ca ॥13-107-82॥
One should never eat food that has been left after being licked by a tube. Likewise, one should not eat food whose essence has been taken out without offering it to those who are present and observing. (13-107-82)
na saṁnikṛṣṭo medhāvī nāśucirna ca satsu ca। pratiṣiddhānna dharmeṣu bhakṣānbhuñjīta pṛṣṭhataḥ॥13-107-83॥
A wise person, who is not closely associated, impure, nor among the virtuous, should not secretly eat forbidden foods related to duties. (13-107-83)
pippalaṃ ca vaṭaṃ caiva śaṇaśākaṃ tathaiva ca। udumbaraṃ na khādecca bhavārthī puruṣottamaḥ॥13-107-84॥
One desiring worldly results, O best of men, should not eat the sacred fig, banyan, hemp leaf, likewise the cluster fig. (13-107-84)
ājaṃ gavyaṃ ca yan māṃsaṃ māyūraṃ caiva varjayet। varjayec chuṣkamāṃsaṃ ca tathā paryuṣitaṃ ca yat ॥13-107-85॥
One should avoid goat flesh, cow products, whatever flesh (is referred), peacock meat, as well as dried meat and likewise any stale meat. (13-107-85)
na pāṇau lavaṇaṃ vidvān prāśnīyān na ca rātriṣu. dadhisaktūn na bhuñjīta vṛthā māṃsaṃ ca varjayet 13-107-86
A learned person should not eat salt from the hand, nor eat (salt) at night; he should not eat curds and roasted barley meal, and he should avoid unnecessary consumption of meat. (13-107-86)
vālena tu na bhuñjīta paraśrāddhaṃ tathaiva ca। sāyaṃ prātaśca bhuñjīta nāntarāle samāhitaḥ ॥13-107-87॥
But one with body hair should not eat another's śrāddha food, likewise; a self-controlled person should eat in the evening and in the morning, not in between. (13-107-87)
vāgyato naika-vastraś ca nāsaṁviṣṭaḥ kadācana। bhūmau sadaiva nāśnīyān nānāsīno na śabdavat॥13-107-88॥
One who has restrained speech should never wear only a single garment, nor ever lie down at any time. He should never eat while on the ground, nor while seated, nor while making sound. (13-107-88)
toya-pūrvaṃ pradāyānnam-atithibhyo viśāṃ pate. paścād bhuñjīta medhāvī na cāpy-anyamanā naraḥ ॥13-107-89॥
O lord of people, first offering water and food to the guests, only afterwards should a wise man eat, and never with his mind elsewhere.
samānamekapaṅktyāṁ tu bhojyamannaṁ nareśvara। viṣaṁ hālāhalaṁ bhuṅkte yo'pradāya suhṛj-jane ॥13-107-90॥
O king, one who, sitting in the same row, eats food without sharing it with friends, partakes of deadly halahala poison. (13-107-90)
pānīyaṃ pāyasaṃ sarpir-dadhi-saktu-madhūny api। nirasya śeṣam eteṣāṃ na pradeyaṃ tu kasyacit॥13-107-91॥
The remains of water, milk-rice, ghee, curd, roasted barley meal, or honey—having set them aside—should certainly not be given to anyone. (13-107-91)
bhuñjāno manujavyāghra naiva śaṅkāṁ samācaret । dadhi cāpyanupānaṁ vai na kartavyaṁ bhavārthinā ॥13-107-92॥
O tiger among men, while eating, one should never entertain any doubt. Indeed, curd and also drinking after (food) should not be done by one who desires well-being. (13-107-92)
ācamya caiva hastena parisrāvya tathodakam। aṅguṣṭhaṃ caraṇasyātha dakṣiṇasyāvasecayet॥13-107-93॥
After sipping water and with the hand having poured out water in this way, one should cause it to flow over the big toe of the right foot. (13-107-93)
pāṇiṃ mūrdhni samādhāya spṛṣṭvā cāgniṃ samāhitaḥ। jñātiśraiṣṭhyam avāpnoti prayogakuśalo naraḥ ॥13-107-94॥
A man skilled in performance who, having placed his hand on his head, touches fire with concentration, attains superiority among his relatives. (13-107-94)
ad-bhiḥ prāṇān samālabhya nābhiṃ pāṇi-talena ca | spṛśan caiva pratiṣṭheta na ca āpi ārdreṇa pāṇinā ॥13-107-95॥
Having touched the vital airs and the navel with water and the palm of the hand, one should stand (thus) touching; and one should not do this even with a wet hand. (13-107-95)
aṅguṣṭhasyāntarāle ca brāhmaṃ tīrtham udāhṛtam। kaniṣṭhikāyāḥ paścāttu devatīrtham ihocyate ॥13-107-96॥
The Brahman holy place is said to be in the space of the thumb; but after the little finger, the place of the gods is mentioned here. (13-107-96)
aṅguṣṭhasya ca yan madhyaṃ pradeśinyāś ca bhārata. tena pitryāṇi kurvīta spṛṣṭvā apo nyāyataḥ tathā ॥13-107-97॥
O Bhārata, one should thus perform ancestral rites using the middle part between the thumb and index finger, having properly touched water in that way. (13-107-97)
parāpavādaṃ na brūyān nāpriyaṃ ca kadācana. na manyuḥ kaścid utpādyaḥ puruṣeṇa bhavārthinā ॥13-107-98॥
A person seeking prosperity should never speak slander of others nor utter unpleasant words at any time, and should not allow anger to arise towards anyone. (13-107-98)
patitaistu kathāṃ necchetdarśanaṃ cāpi varjayet। saṃsargaṃ ca na gacchet tathāyurvindate mahat॥13-107-99॥
However, one should neither seek conversation nor associate nor even meet with the fallen; by doing so, one attains great longevity. (13-107-99)
na divā maithunaṃ gacchen na kanyāṃ na ca bandhakīm। na cāsnātāṃ striyaṃ gacchet tathāyur vindate mahat॥13-107-100॥
One should not approach sexual intercourse during the day, nor with a maiden, nor with a prostitute; nor should one go to a woman who has not bathed; thus one attains great longevity. (13-107-100)
sve sve tīrthe samācamya kārye samupakalpite. triḥ pītvā apo dviḥ pramṛjya kṛtaśauco bhaven naraḥ ॥13-107-101॥
Having performed ācamana at his own respective sacred water, for the prescribed rite, when the man has sipped the water three times and wiped (his mouth) twice, he becomes purified. (13-107-101)
indriyāṇi sakṛt-spr̥śya trir-abhyukṣya ca mānavaḥ। kurvīta pitryaṃ daivaṃ ca veda-dr̥ṣṭena karmaṇā ॥13-107-102॥
After touching the senses once and sprinkling water three times, a human should perform both ancestor and deity rites in the manner prescribed by the Veda. (13-107-102)
brāhmaṇārthe ca yat śaucaṃ tac ca me śṛṇu kaurava। pravṛttaṃ ca hitaṃ coktvā bhojanādyantayos tathā ॥13-107-103॥
O Kaurava, hear from me the purity which is for the sake of a brāhmaṇa. Having described what is initiated and beneficial at both the commencement and conclusion of eating, likewise. (13-107-103)
sarvaśauceṣu brāhmeṇa tīrthena samupaspṛśet। niṣṭhīvyā tu tathā kṣutvā spṛśyāpo hi śucirbhavet॥13-107-104॥
In all acts of purification, one should use Brāhma (prescribed) water for touching. After spitting or sneezing, when one touches water, one becomes pure. (13-107-104)
vṛddho jñātis tathā mitraṃ daridro yo bhaved api। gṛhe vāsayitavyās te dhanyam āyuṣyam eva ca॥13-107-105॥
An old person, a relative, a friend, and even a poor man—whoever they may be—should be allowed to reside in the house; they truly bring prosperity and long life. (13-107-105)
gṛhe pārāvatā dhanyāḥ śukāś ca saha sārikāḥ। gṛheṣu ete na pāpāya tathā vai tailapāyikāḥ ॥13-107-106॥
Pigeons, parrots, and starlings in a house are fortunate; the presence of these in homes is not sinful, and so too are oil drinkers. (13-107-106)
uddīpakāś ca gṛdhrāś ca kapotā bhramarās tathā। nivişeyur yadā tatra śāntim eva tad ācaret ॥13-107-107॥
When lamp-lighters, vultures, pigeons, and bees also settle there, then one should only observe peace. (13-107-107)
amaṅgalyāni caitāni tathākrośo mahātmanām। mahātmanāṃ ca guhyāni na vaktavyāni karhicit॥13-107-108॥
Inauspicious matters, as well as harsh words against the great-souled, and the secrets of the great-souled, should never be spoken. (13-107-108)
agamyāś ca na gacchet rājapatnīḥ sakhīs tathā। vaidyānāṁ bālavṛddhānāṁ bhṛtyānāṁ ca yudhiṣṭhira ॥13-107-109॥
O Yudhiṣṭhira, one should not approach those women who are to be avoided, wives of the king, their companions, as well as physicians, children, elders, and servants. (13-107-109)
bandhūnāṃ brāhmaṇānāṃ ca tathā śāraṇikasya ca। sambandhināṃ ca rājendra tathāyurvindate mahat ॥13-107-110॥
O king, one attains a great lifespan as well as relations with relatives, Brāhmaṇas, the protector, and kinsmen. (13-107-110)
brāhmaṇasthapatibhyāṃ ca nir mitaṃ yan niveśanam। tad āvaset sadā prājño bhavārthī manujeśvara ॥13-107-111॥
O king of men, a wise man who desires prosperity should always live in a residence built by a Brāhmaṇa and an architect. (13-107-111)
saṃdhyāyāṃ na svaped rājan vidyāṃ na ca samācareta । na bhuñjīta ca medhāvī tathāyur vindate mahat ॥13-107-112॥
O king, one should not sleep, study, or eat at twilight; thus, an intelligent person attains great longevity. (13-107-112)
naktaṃ na kuryātpitryāṇi bhuktvā caiva prasādhanam। pānīyasya kriyā naktaṃ na kāryā bhūtimicchatā ॥13-107-113॥
One should not perform ancestral rites at night; nor should one adorn oneself after eating. Offering water at night should not be done by one who desires prosperity. (13-107-113)
varjanīyāś ca vai nityaṃ saktavo niśi bhārata. śeṣāṇi cāvadātāni pānīyaṃ caiva bhojane ॥13-107-114॥
O Bhārata, cakes should indeed always be avoided at night, as well as remnants, impure things, water, and these especially at meals. (13-107-114)
sauhityaṃ ca na kartavyaṃ rātrau naiva samācaret। dvijacchedaṃ na kurvīta bhuktvā na ca samācaret॥13-107-115॥
One should not mix foods, nor should one perform (sacrificial acts) at night; one should not break the sacred thread, and after eating, one should not perform rites. (13-107-115)
mahākula-prasūtāṃ ca praśastāṃ lakṣaṇaiḥ tathā | vayaḥ-sthāṃ ca mahāprājñaḥ kanyām āvoḍhum arhati ॥13-107-116॥
A very wise man should marry a maiden who is of good family, virtuous, endowed with auspicious marks, and of suitable age. (13-107-116)
apatyam utpādya tataḥ pratiṣṭhāpya kulaṃ tathā। putrāḥ pradeyā jñāneṣu kuladharmeṣu bhārata॥13-107-117॥
O Bhārata, after producing offspring and thus establishing the lineage, sons should be instructed in knowledge and family customs. (13-107-117)
kanyā cotpādya dātavyā kulaputrāya dhīmate। putrā niveśyāś ca kulādbhṛtyā labhyāś ca bhārata॥13-107-118॥
A daughter, once born, should be given to a wise son of a noble family; sons should be established, and servants obtained from the family, O Bhārata. (13-107-118)
śiraḥsnāto'tha kurvīta daivaṃ pitryam athāpi ca। nakṣatre na ca kurvīta yasmiñ jāto bhaven naraḥ॥ na proṣṭhapadayoḥ kāryaṃ tathāgnēye ca bhārata॥13-107-119॥
After bathing the head, one should then perform the rites for the gods and also for the ancestors. But one should not perform them on the constellation in which a man was born, nor on the Proṣṭhapada nakṣatras, nor in the Agneya nakṣatra, O Bhārata. (13-107-119)
dāruṇeṣu ca sarveṣu pratyahaṃ ca vivarjayet। jyotiṣe yāni coktāni tāni sarvāṇi varjayet॥13-107-120॥
One should avoid all harsh situations every day, and avoid all those things which have been stated in astrology. (13-107-120)
prāṅmukhaḥ śmaśrukarmāṇi kārayet samāhitaḥ। udaṅmukho vā rājendra tathāyurvindate mahat॥13-107-121॥
One should, being composed, have barbering acts performed while facing east. Or facing north, O king, one likewise obtains great longevity. (13-107-121)
parivādaṁ na ca brūyāt pareṣām ātmanaḥ tathā। parivādo na dharmāya procyate bharatarṣabha ॥13-107-122॥
One should not speak blame of others or of oneself in the same way; blame is not considered as righteousness, O best of the Bharatas. (13-107-122)
varjayed vyaṅginīṃ nārīṃ tathā kanyāṃ narottama। samārṣāṃ vyaṅgitāṃ caiva mātuḥ svakulajāṃ tathā ॥13-107-123॥
O best of men, one should avoid marrying a deformed woman, a maiden with hereditary disease, a disfigured woman, one born of one's own mother, and also a woman from one's own clan. (13-107-123)
vṛddhāṃ pravrajitāṃ caiva tathaiva ca pativratām। tathātikṛṣṇavarṇāṃ ca varṇotkṛṣṭāṃ ca varjayet॥13-107-124॥
One should avoid women who are aged, who have renounced the world, who are devoted to their husbands, who are of very dark complexion, and those of a superior caste. (13-107-124)
ayoniṁ ca viyoniṁ ca na gacchet vicakṣaṇaḥ। piṅgalāṁ kuṣṭhinīṁ nārīṁ na tvam āvoḍhum arhasi ॥13-107-125॥
A wise person should not have intercourse through unnatural or improper organs. You should not take as wife a woman who is yellowish or afflicted with leprosy. (13-107-125)
apasmārikule jātāṃ nihīnāṃ caiva varjayet। śvitriṇāṃ ca kule jātāṃ trayāṇāṃ manujeśvara ॥13-107-126॥
O lord of men, one should avoid (a woman) born in a family afflicted by epilepsy, or deficient (of lineage), and also one born in the family of those with leprosy—these three.
lakṣaṇair anvitā yā ca praśastā yā ca lakṣaṇaiḥ। manojñā darśanīyā ca tāṁ bhavān voḍhum arhati ॥13-107-127॥
You deserve to marry her who is endowed with auspicious marks, who is worthy by such marks, pleasing to the mind, and beautiful to behold. (13-107-127)
mahākule niveṣṭavyaṃ sadṛśe vā yudhiṣṭhira. avarā patitā caiva na grāhyā bhūtimicchatā ॥13-107-128॥
O Yudhiṣṭhira, one wishing for prosperity should establish (a relationship) in a great family or in an equal family; an inferior or fallen (woman or family) should indeed not be accepted. (13-107-128)
agnīn utpādya yatnena kriyāḥ suvihitāś ca yāḥ। vedeṣu brāhmaṇaiḥ proktās tāś ca sarvāḥ samācaret ॥13-107-129॥
Having established the sacred fires with care, all the ritual acts that are well performed and declared in the Vedas by the Brāhmaṇas should also be performed. (13-107-129)
na cerṣyā strīṣu kartavyā dārā rakṣyāśca sarvaśaḥ. anāyuṣyā bhavedīrṣyā tasmādīrṣyāṃ vivarjayet ॥13-107-130॥
Jealousy should never be practiced towards women; wives should be protected in every way. Jealousy leads to a short life; therefore, one should avoid jealousy. (13-107-130)
anāyuṣyo divāsvapnas tathābhyuditashāyitā। prātar niśāyāṃ ca tathā ye coccchiṣṭāḥ svapanti vai॥13-107-131॥
Daytime sleep is not conducive to long life; so too is lying down at sunrise, sleeping in the morning and at night, and likewise those who sleep without having cleansed themselves after eating. (13-107-131)
pāradāryam anāyuṣyaṃ nāpitocchiṣṭatā tathā। yatnato vai na kartavyam abhyāsaś caiva bhārata॥13-107-132॥
Intercourse with another's wife shortens life; likewise, contact with a barber's remnants. These should not be practiced intentionally, O Bhārata. (13-107-132)
sandhyāṃ na bhuñjenn snāyānna purīṣaṃ samutsṛjet। prayataśca bhavettasyāṃ na ca kiñcitsamācaret॥13-107-133॥
One should not eat, bathe, or void faeces at twilight; one should remain pure at that time and refrain from any activity. (13-107-133)
brāhmaṇānpūjayeccāpi tathā snātvā narādhipa। devāṁśca praṇametsnāto gurūṁścāpyabhivādayet ॥13-107-134॥
O king, having thus bathed, one should worship the Brāhmaṇas, bow to the gods, and also salute the elders. (13-107-134)
animantrito na gacchet yajñaṃ gacchettu darśakaḥ। animantrite hyanāyuṣyaṃ gamanaṃ tatra bhārata॥13-107-135॥
One who is not invited should not go to a sacrifice; only an observer may go. Going there uninvited indeed shortens one's life, O Bhārata. (13-107-135)
na caikena parivrājyaṃ na gantavyaṃ tathā niśi। anāgatāyāṃ sandhyāyāṃ paścimāyāṃ gṛhe vaset ॥13-107-136॥
One should not wander alone, nor should one go out at night. When the evening twilight has not yet arrived, one should remain at home. (13-107-136)
mātuḥ pitur gurūṇāṃ ca kāryam evānuśāsanam। hitaṃ vā apy ahitaṃ vā api na vicāryaṃ nararṣabha ॥13-107-137॥
O best of men, the instructions of the mother, father, and teachers should be carried out as duty; whether they are beneficial or even not beneficial, they are not to be deliberated upon. (13-107-137)
dhanurvede ca vede ca yatnaḥ kāryo narādhipa। hastipṛṣṭhe'śvapṛṣṭhe ca rathacaryāsu caiva ha ॥ yatnavānbhava rājendra yatnavānsukhamedhate ॥13-107-138॥
O king, effort should be made in the science of archery and in the Veda, as well as on elephants, horses, and in chariot operations. Be diligent, O king of kings; for the diligent one attains happiness. (13-107-138)
apradḥṛṣyaś ca śatrūṇāṃ bhṛtyānāṃ svajanasya ca। prajā-pālana-yuktaś ca na kṣatiṃ labhate kvacit॥13-107-139॥
He who is unassailable by enemies, servants, and his own people, and who is devoted to the protection of his subjects, does not incur harm anywhere. (13-107-139)
yuktiśāstraṃ ca te jñeyaṃ śabdaśāstraṃ ca bhārata। gandharvaśāstraṃ ca kalāḥ parijñeyā narādhipa ॥13-107-140॥
O Bhārata, you should know the science of reasoning, the science of language, the science of music, and the arts thoroughly, O king. (13-107-140)
purāṇam-itihāsāś-ca tathākhyānāni yāni ca। mahātmanāṃ ca caritaṃ śrotavyaṃ nityam-eva te॥13-107-141॥
The ancient tales, histories, and likewise the narratives, and the conduct of great souls—all these are indeed always to be heard. (13-107-141)
patnīṃ rajasvalāṃ caiva nābhigacchen na cāhvayet। snātāṃ caturthe divase rātrau gacched vicakṣaṇaḥ॥13-107-142॥
One should neither approach nor call a wife who is menstruating; but the discerning man may approach her at night on the fourth day, after she has bathed. (13-107-142)
pañcame divase nārī ṣaṣṭhe'ahani pumānbhavet। etena vidhinā patnīmupagacchet paṇḍitaḥ ॥13-107-143॥
A daughter is born on the fifth day, a son on the sixth; thus, by following this rule, the wise should approach his wife. (13-107-143)
jñātisambandhimitrāṇi pūjanīyāni nityaśaḥ। yaṣṭavyaṃ ca yathāśakti yajñair vividhadakṣiṇaiḥ ॥ ataurdhvam araṇyaṃ ca sevitavyaṃ narādhipa ॥13-107-144॥
Relatives, kinsmen, and friends should always be honored; sacrifices with various offerings should be performed according to one's ability. Afterwards, the forest life should also be undertaken, O king. (13-107-144)
eṣa te lakṣaṇoddeśa āyuṣyāṇāṃ prakīrtitaḥ। śeṣastraividyavṛddhebhyaḥ pratyāhāryo yudhiṣṭhira ॥13-107-145॥
This enumeration of the characteristics of lifespans has been declared to you. The remainder should be asked from the learned elders skilled in the three Vedas, O Yudhiṣṭhira. (13-107-145)
ācāro bhūtijanana ācāraḥ kīrtivardhanaḥ। ācārād vardhate hy āyuḥ ācāraḥ hanti alakṣaṇam ॥13-107-146॥
Conduct gives rise to beings; conduct increases one's fame. Lifespan is increased by conduct, and conduct eliminates inauspiciousness. (13-107-146)
āgamānāṃ hi sarveṣām ācāraḥ śreṣṭha ucyate। ācāraprabhavo dharmo dharmād āyur vivardhate ॥13-107-147॥
Indeed, among all scriptures, conduct is said to be the best. From conduct arises righteousness, and from righteousness, lifespan increases. (13-107-147)
etat-yaśasyam-āyuṣyam-svargyam-svastyayanam-mahat anukampayā sarva-varṇān brahmaṇā samudāhṛtam ॥13-107-148॥
This great utterance, which bestows fame, grants long life, leads to heaven, and brings welfare, has been declared by Brahmā out of compassion for all classes. (13-107-148)
